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Beyfortus Coupon - Beyfortus five 0.5ml prefilled syringes of 50mg/0.5ml carton

Beyfortus

nirsevimab
Used for RSV
Used for RSV

Beyfortus (nirsevimab or nirsevimab-alip) is an injection used to prevent illness due to respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for children up to 24 months old. It's a monoclonal antibody that provides short-term protection against the virus, so it's meant to be given during or at the start of the RSV season. It's well-tolerated and doesn't have many side effects. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) was approved by the FDA in July 2023, and is expected to be available for the upcoming 2023-2024 RSV season.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD
reviewer
Connie Zheng, PharmD
Last reviewed on July 23, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesLatest newsImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Beyfortus (nirsevimab)?

What is Beyfortus (nirsevimab) used for?

Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

  • Newborns and infants during or entering their first RSV season

  • Children up to 24 months old at risk for severe RSV illness through their second RSV season

How Beyfortus (nirsevimab) works

Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is an injection of monoclonal antibodies (manmade proteins) which provides protection against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The antibodies attach to the virus and stop it from entering cells and spreading.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsBeyfortus
Drug ClassMonoclonal antibody
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Beyfortus (nirsevimab) essentials

Health: RSV: mother with baby at medical appintment 1479437051

Beyfortus vs. Synagis for RSV Prevention in Children: 4 Differences Parents Should Know

Written by Alyssa Billingsley, PharmD
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Beyfortus (nirsevimab)?

The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Rash (1%)

Other Side Effects

  • Injection site reaction (e.g., pain, hard lump, swelling)

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Severe allergic reaction: rash, trouble breathing, swelling in the face or throat

Source: DailyMed

The following side effects have also been reported

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
  • Skin rash
pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Beyfortus (nirsevimab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Given as a single dose

Lowers the risk of severe RSV-related illness by about 70% in premature babies

Not many side effects

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Cons

Not studied in children older than 24 months

Injection can be uncomfortable

No lower-cost generic available

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Beyfortus (nirsevimab)

pharmacist

  • Your child should get Beyfortus (nirsevimab) at the start of or during the RSV season, which is typically late fall to early spring. Ask your child's provider about when RSV season begins in your area, so you can plan your child's dose.

    • If your child receives Beyfortus (nirsevimab) for their first RSV season and continues to be at a higher risk for RSV, ask your child's provider about getting a second dose for their second RSV season.

      • Even though Beyfortus (nirsevimab) can lower your child's risk of RSV infection, it's possible for your child to still get infected and become ill. Watch out for symptoms of RSV, including a runny nose, cough, and sore throat.

        • If your child has heart surgery, your child's provider might need to give your child an additional dose of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) afterwards.

          • The most common side effects of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) are rash, pain, and swelling at the site of the injection. Talk with your child's provider about ways to give your child relief.

            faqs

            Frequently asked questions about Beyfortus (nirsevimab)

            Where is Beyfortus (nirsevimab) injected?
            Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is typically injected into the front, outer thigh muscle by a healthcare provider. It shouldn't be injected into the buttocks muscle because of the risk of nerve damage in this area.
            Is Beyfortus (nirsevimab) a vaccine?
            No. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) isn't a vaccine. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is an injection that contains monoclonal antibodies. Vaccines work by taking a piece of the bacteria or virus (or a weakened version of them) and triggering your body to make antibodies, which can recognize and attack the same bacteria or virus in the future. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) works differently than vaccines because it already contains the antibodies (lab-made versions of them) that protects you against RSV.
            How long does Beyfortus (nirsevimab) last?
            One dose of Beyfortus (nirsevimab) appears to last for about 5 months, so it should cover most of the RSV season. Because Beyfortus (nirsevimab) only offers short-term protection, babies born outside of the RSV season should wait to get Beyfortus (nirsevimab) at the start of the RSV season. Discuss the best timing to get the injection with your child's provider.
            What's the difference between Beyfortus (nirsevimab) and Synagis (palivizumab)?
            Both Beyfortus (nirsevimab) and Synagis (palivizumab) are injections that helps prevent illness from RSV infection. But they're approved for different situations. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) can be given to all newborns and infants during their first RSV season, and to children up to 24 months old at risk for severe illness in their second RSV season. Synagis (palivizumab) is only approved for children born premature (early) and are ages 6 months and younger at the start of the RSV season, and children up to 24 months old who have certain medication conditions. Both medications are injected into the muscle, but the dosing is different. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is injected into the muscle once at the start of the RSV season, while Synagis (palivizumab) is injected every month throughout the RSV season.
            Can Beyfortus (nirsevimab) be used in older adults?
            No. Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is only FDA-approved for use in children up to 24 months old. Recently, two vaccines against RSV have been approved for adults who are 60 years and older (Arexvy and Abrysvo). Talk with your provider if vaccination against RSV is right for you.
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            What are the risks and warnings for Beyfortus (nirsevimab)?

            Beyfortus (nirsevimab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.

            risk-warning

            Severe allergic reaction

            Severe and life-threatening allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, have happened with other monoclonal antibody products similar to Beyfortus (nirsevimab). If your child seems to be having trouble breathing, or you notice a severe rash or swelling in their face, get medical help right away.

            risk-warning

            Caution with bleeding problems

            • Risk factors: History of bleeding problems | Taking blood-thinning medication

              Let your child's provider know if they have a history of bleeding problems, like low platelets. Also make sure to give them a list of your child's current medications, so they can check if they're taking any blood-thinning medications. Your child might still be able to receive Beyfortus (nirsevimab), but their provider will want to monitor them more closely for bleeding after the injection.

              dosage

              Beyfortus (nirsevimab) dosage forms

              Typical dosing for Beyfortus (nirsevimab)

              Beyfortus (nirsevimab) is injected into the muscle by a trained healthcare provider.

              • Newborns and infants born during or entering their first RSV season:

                • Weight less than 5 kg (11 lbs): The typical dose is 50 mg given as one dose.

                • Weight 5 kg (11 lbs) and more: The typical dose is 100 mg given as one dose.

              • Children up to 24 months old at risk for severe RSV illness in their second RSV season:

                • The typical dose is 200 mg given as two 100 mg injections in one office visit.

              alternatives

              What are alternatives to Beyfortus (nirsevimab)?

              There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Beyfortus (nirsevimab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
              Beyfortus (nirsevimab)
              Used for:

              Prevention of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in:

              • Newborns and infants during or entering their first RSV season

              • Children up to 24 months old at risk for severe RSV illness through their second RSV season

              View Prices
              Synagis (palivizumab)
              Used for:
              View Prices
              images

              Beyfortus (nirsevimab) images

              yellow - Beyfortus 50mg / 0.5mL Solution for Injection
              This medicine is Yellow Carton.yellow - Beyfortus 50mg / 0.5mL Solution for Injection

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              References

              Best studies we found

              AstraZeneca plc. (2023). Beyfortus approved in the US for the prevention of RSV lower respiratory tract disease in infants.

              Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). For healthcare providers.

              Sanofi Pasteur Inc. (2023). Beyfortus- nirsevimab injection [package insert]. DailyMed.

              View All References (3)

              Sun, M., et al. (2023). Monoclonal antibody for the prevention of respiratory syncytial virus in infants and children: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. JAMA Network Open.

              U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2022). Vaccine types.

              U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (2023). FDA approves new drug to prevent RSV in babies and toddlers.

              GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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